mottle

[ mot-l ]

verb (used with object)

, mot·tled, mot·tling.

1. to mark or diversify with spots or blotches of a different color or shade.

noun

1. a diversifying spot or blotch of color.
2. mottled coloring or pattern.

mottle

/ ˈmɒtəl /

verb

1. tr to colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

noun

1. a mottled appearance, as of the surface of marble
2. one streak or blotch of colour in a mottled surface

Other Words From

• mottle·ment noun
• mottler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mottle¹

First recorded in 1670–80; probably back formation from motley

Word History and Origins

Origin of mottle¹

C17: back formation from motley

Example Sentences

To account for that, SCAN normalizes its estimates using a virus with a well-established expected quantity—pepper mild mottle virus.

From MIT Technology Review

Blue mottle, or Belton greys, which stand work and are better than; 2.

From Project Gutenberg

The effect of this winding, is to give a beautiful mottle to the barrel; which will be found depicted in plate No. 3.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a coat of velvet that through age had become marked with an opalescent mottle.

From Project Gutenberg

In some old strains the "blue mottle" of the Southern Hound is still preserved.

From Project Gutenberg

Ginsburg put up his gloved hand and wiped clean a face that with passion had turned a mottle of red-and-white blotches.

From Project Gutenberg